Automated Star Sizer

[bstone5]

Another try to get the link to the movie correct.

http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/bstone5706/media/AutomatedStar_zpsb4138283.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0

[Sgtonory]

Great setup

[Tom_Highway]

Wow!!! [emoji122][emoji122][emoji122][emoji122] A great job. Can you give me the reference of the parts used ?. I especially interested in knowing the manufacturer and model of the pneumatic cylinder. Thank you very much.
:-)

[HATCH]

there is another thread with a parts breakdown on the automation part of it.

It looks like this is based on Wyman's Air Assisted Star design -> http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?151658

Added a 'smart' relay and a pneumatic air valve.

Neat design. Never thought of adding a manual button as I would be afraid of punching my finger off.

The smart relay used is about $100 give or take.
I did basically the same design but used 2 smart relays. One to deal with the cycle time then one to deal with the run time.
I don't have a collator so I feed my star using 3 foot long plastic tubes.
They hold about 50 boolits give or take depending on design.
So what I do is count the boolits in the 1st tube and then multiply that time 2 and thats how many seconds the run timer is set.
I run a 2 second cycle timer. Thats still 1800 boolits a hr and is PLENTY fast enough.

[jmorris]

Neat design. Never thought of adding a manual button as I would be afraid of punching my finger off.

Yeah, I think I would have two momentary push buttons wired in series, mounted to each side of the press so you have to press both (have hands clear) before it will cycle.